Director, Center for Integrated Airspace Research (CIAR)

Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic and Global Initiatives, the Director of the Center for Integrated Airspace Research (Director 4) will provide visionary leadership in establishing and advancing a multidisciplinary research center dedicated to the study of integrated airspace systems, including aviation management, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), and aviation technologies. The Director will develop and implement the Center's strategic vision by leading interdisciplinary research initiatives, creating innovative academic and workforce development programs, and fostering collaborations across the University, government agencies, industry, and the broader scientific community.

The Director will work closely with the Director of Operations at Kean Skylands on grant-related projects and operations related to that campus. The Director will be responsible for strategic planning, research development, external partnership cultivation, competitive grant acquisition, and public engagement to position the Center as a nationally recognized leader in integrated airspace research and innovation. This position is funded through a grant and continued employment is dependent upon the availability of grant funding.

This position requires travel and a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours. Employees are expected to work on site at one of the Kean campus locations, with this position primarily working at the Kean Skylands location.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and two years of professional experience working in an institution of higher education, education or other related field such as aviation management, physics, astronomy, aerospace engineering, atmospheric science, data science, psychology, anthropology, public policy or intelligence studies is required. A Master’s degree and experience working with governmental agencies, research institutions, aerospace organizations, or related stakeholders is preferred. Exceptional analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities are essential.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience leading complex research programs, academic centers, government initiatives, or interdisciplinary scientific organizations; experience managing staff, budgets, grants, and collaborative research projects; a distinguished record of interdisciplinary scholarship, scientific investigation, policy analysis, or equivalent professional achievement; sustained success in securing external funding; and the ability to build high-impact research programs that advance scientific discovery, evidence-based policy, aviation and aerospace workforce development programs, and educational excellence.

Candidacy review begins immediately and continues until appointment is made.  Please submit your cover letter, resume/CV and contact information for three professional references. Official transcripts are required prior to the starting date of employment.

In compliance with New Jersey’s Pay Transparency Law, the annual salary range for this position is: $85,000 to $95,000. This position may also be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance, a retirement plan and benefits for work life balance. For a full overview of our benefits offerings, please refer to our Kean University Benefits website.

Employment at Kean requires working at any of our New Jersey campus locations or affiliated work sites, which may include, but not be limited to: the main campus in Union; Kean Ocean in Toms River; Kean Skylands in Jefferson Township; Kean Jersey City; Kean at Brookdale in Middletown Township; Manahawkin; Princeton; and Trenton.  Location assignments will be based on operational and university needs. Faculty may also be assigned to teach online classes for Kean Global.

Kean University complies with the New Jersey First Act (Senate Bill No. 1730, P.L. 2011, Chapter 70). Any individual newly hired by Kean University will be required to abide by this law and establish a principal residence in New Jersey. New employees will have a full 365 days to establish such residence, from the effective date of hire.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please refer to Section III.A. of our Reasonable Accommodations Policy & Procedures.  

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Kean University, New Jersey’s first Urban Research University, creates a world-class, innovative and inclusive society through equity and excellence in teaching, learning, global research, and impactful public engagement.

Kean University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer